I got a Bluetti ~700 Wh lithium-iron unit last year so that I can keep phones and tablets charged while Abbott is still in charge. It’s got USB connections, a Qi wireless pad on top, and an inverter with a handful of 120 VAC outlets. It’s also got a 200 W solar panel for charging, but the efficiency curve on that thing is like an impulse function: get it even a bit off directly on-axis with the sun and efficiency drops like a rock. But the lithium-iron combo holds a charge great.
In fact, I initially had it going into my UPS/Surge protector and it did not like it at all.
At that cost - with zero payback coming - a grid-connected solar/battery system has to be entering the chat.
If you subtract 5-7K from the sunk cost on the payback curve, it’s going to reduce dramatically the time required to get back to zero.
Bonus: no running of extension cords and no annoying 24/7 brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr noise.
Yeah, they’re definitely intriguing, I just don’t know enough about them yet.
1 Like
This guy’s channel has a lot of info.
A big factor is the regulatory environment you’re in. If it’s Texas, I think there are a number of protectionist regulations designed to keep you beholden to the Imortan ERCOT.
I have no idea what regs are in place at the state level, but I do know that the PEC is very solar friendly
2 Likes
If you can get solar panels and whole home battery backup, installed, for $5-7k, you’re living a charmed life.
1 Like
If you can get 1:1 credit for juice back flow (eww) that’s huge. Also, VPPs can be very lucrative.
YouTube Matt (above) was making ~$3,000/year in Massachusetts of all places. Solar panels are going to be far more productive in central Texas, meaning you can produce more with less - depending on the price per kWh.
My 2¢ would be to be sure to include a smart breaker panel in the system. It can shut down automatically certain circuits when, say, the grid goes out to save your battery.
Not saying that.
What I’m saying is that if you install a system that costs $20K, it may take 15 years to pay back. However, if that system is in lieu of a $7K generator, your net outlay is really only $13K because the $7K was baked in, so you’re looking at a 10 year payback.
1 Like
Same with GVEC. They sell and install the panels. Or at least facilitates the sales and installations.
1 Like
There’s a substantial difference between $7,000 and $20,000, at least to me. Especially for something that you’ll need a handful of days in your life. If you’re looking at solar as a permanent power solution that’s one thing, but if it’s to use for a few days every 10-12 years, that’s a pretty big difference.
Of course. But the $7K generator will never pay for itself; it’s sunk cost. Worse, it’s usable for only 10-12 days a year. If that’s all you want to do, that’s fine.
All I’m saying is that having $7K to sink into an emergency generator, you’re very much in the range of someone who can consider financing a solar/battery system with a $7K down payment which will pay for itself and be cash flow positive thereafter. This is very likely far better practically and financially.
My wildlife feeders are all solar, and I’ve noticed they need to be cleaned every year or so.
How do you clean a rooftop setup?
It feels like we are heading towards needing it 10+ days a year, which is what has me finally thinking about purchasing one. If it is 5-7 days, every 4 or 5 years, then just getting a hotel is a better option.
1 Like
There are a lot of things that will never “pay for itself”. You buy them because they provide you with some convenience or benefit, not because they are an investment. And I disagree that just because you can purchase an emergency generator, you should easily be able to sink three or four times that much into a solar system. They are like EVs…you buy one because you are committed to the concept, not because they make financial sense. For the vast majority of people, solar and EVs are a significant financial burden.
1 Like
I certainly haven’t needed it that often. I went 9 days without power from Beryl, but prior to that the last time I’d have needed anything like that was Ike in 2008. That’s why even a $5,000 tri-fuel hooked up to my breaker box doesn’t make sense for me. I can go 9 days without power. It’s inconvenient, but it’s not like I can’t manage. If you have some more pressing need, such a medical device, that’s a different calculus.
We got lucky and never lost power for Berly, the Dericho got us for a week though. Did you not lose power for the Winter storm in 21? Think we were out a week then too.
Nobody should pretend like this won’t a more regular occurrence moving forward
Relatedly, thinking about my capital investments, I’m thinking a 2nd rainwater collection system is a higher priority than a solar system.
2 Likes
EVs are a completely different financial decision.
A solar/battery system will reduce your electric bill. That makes it like adding double-pane windows. It’s an infrastructure upgrade that will increase the value of your home and save money on your utility bill.
If you don’t want to do it, you do you. All I’m saying is that - before splurging $5-7K on an emergency only generator - it would be prudent to run the numbers on a solar/battery system to see if it can work for you.
Never lost power during that winter storm. The water pipes froze, so I didn’t have running water, but I had power the whole time.